ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
VADM MARK HAMMOND, CHIEF OF NAVY, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY VISIT TO INDIA
VAdm Mark Hammond, Chief of Navy, Royal Australian Navy  is on a three-day official visit to India from 09 – 11 Mar 23. During the visit, VAdm Mark Hammond interacted with Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, at New Delhi on 10 Mar 23. He was welcomed with an impressive Guard of Honour on the South Block Lawns.
During the interaction, avenues to strengthen the growing cooperation between the two nations and navies, cooperative ways to deal with prevalent/ emerging maritime security challenges, and initiatives to enhance collaboration and interoperability towards realisation of a Free, Open and Inclusive Indo-Pacific/ IOR, were discussed.
Indian Navy closely cooperates with RAN on numerous issues, which include operational interactions such as AUSINDEX, KAKADU and P8 operations, training exchanges, exchange of White Shipping Information and Subject Matter Experts in various fields, all of which are coordinated through the medium of Staff Talks meetings conducted annually. In addition, warships from both Navies regularly make port calls at each other’s ports and interact in multilateral exercises such as MALABAR, RIMPAC, LaPerouse, etc. Both Navies have also been cooperating towards exploring new avenues for collaboration in the areas of Defence industries, Defence innovation and emerging Defence technologies in support of ‘Make in India’ vision.
CN RAN’s visit is an important event in the continued and regular dialogue between Indian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy, and it reinforces the Navy to Navy cooperation in keeping with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
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VM/PS 32/23
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Ministry of Defence
DRDO develops Ultra Swachh for disinfection of PPEs and other materials
Defence Research and Development Organisation  has developed a disinfection unit named Ultra Swachh to disinfect a wide range of materials, including Personal Protective Equipment , electronics items, fabrics, etc.
Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences , the Delhi based laboratory of DRDO has developed this product with industry partner M/s Gel Craft Healthcare Private Ltd, Ghaziabad.
The system uses an advanced oxidative process comprising of multiple barrier disruption approach using Ozonated Space Technology for disinfection.
The system is double layered with specialised Ozone sealant technology assuring trapping of ozone for the necessary disinfection cycle. It also has catalytic converter to ensure environment friendly exhaust i.e. only oxygen and water.
The system is in compliance with International Standards of Industrial, Occupational, Personal and Environmental Safety. The Ultra Swachh comes in two variants namely Ozonated Space and Trinetra Technology. Trinetra technology is the combination of Ozonated space and radical dispenser. Treatment is optimised with automation for quick disinfection cycle.
The system operates on 15 Ampere, 220 Volts, 50 Hertz power supply. The system has been provided with various safety features such as emergency shutdown, door interlocks, dual door, delay cycle, and leak monitors, etc to ensure safe operations for longer duration. Dimensions of the Industrial Cabinet are 7’x4’x3.25’ to disinfect large quantity at a time. Cabinets of different sizes will be available for the industry.
ABB/SS/Nampi/KA/DK/Savvy/ADA
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Ministry of Textiles
MSP funding of Rs. 17,408 crore to CCI for cotton seasons 2014-15 to 2020-21 for direct support to farmers
MSP operations motivate cotton farmers in the country to keep their sustained interests in cotton cultivation and make India Aatmanirbhar for quality cotton
CCI has infrastructure in all 11 major cotton-growing States through 474 procurement centres in 143 districts
In the last 2 cotton seasons, CCI procured around 1/3rd of the cotton production in the country and disbursed more than Rs. 55,000 crores directly in the bank account of around 40 lakh cotton farmers
Taking another step towards realizing our collective vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Government, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Minimum Support Price  funding of Rs. 17,408 crore to CCI for cotton seasons 2014-15 to 2020-21 for direct support to farmers.
Cotton is one of the most important cash crops and plays a major role in sustaining the livelihood of around 58 lakh cotton farmers. Further, approximately 400 - 500 lakh people are engaged in related activities such as cotton processing and trade. During cotton season 2020-21, the area under cotton cultivation was 133 lakh hectares with an estimated production of 360 lakh bales, which account for around 25% of total global cotton production.
Government based on the recommendations of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices , fixes MSP for seed cotton . Government appoints CCI as Central Nodal agency and CCI is mandated to undertake MSP in cotton by procuring all FAQ grade cotton from farmers without any quantitative celling, as and when cotton prices fall below MSP level. MSP operations protect cotton farmers from distress sale during any adverse price situation. MSP operations, being a sovereign function in nature, motivate cotton farmers in the country to keep their sustained interests in cotton cultivation to make India Aatmanirbhar for quality cotton, which is a raw material for the spinning industry.
During the global pandemic in the last two cotton seasons , CCI procured around 1/3rd of the cotton production in the country, i.e. about 200 lakh bales and disbursed more than Rs.55,000/- crores directly in the bank account of around 40 lakh cotton farmers.
For the current cotton season , CCI has already made adequate arrangements in all 11 major cotton-growing states by opening 474 procurement centres in 143 districts, to meet any eventuality of MSP operations. The Government extends full price support to CCI for undertaking MSP operations in cotton.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
HPCL Undertakes Successful Pilot Study on E27 Fuel and Ethanol Blended Diesel Fuel
Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India by 2025, gets a boost.
HPCL foreys to usher in a greener and more sustainable future.
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited  has successful launched groundbreaking pilot study on vehicles using E27 fuel and Ethanol Blended Diesel Fuel. Under the aegis of MoP&NG, HPCL has become the first Oil Marketing Company in India to initiate such a comprehensive research program, in line with the "Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India by 2025," which aims to promote the adoption of Ethanol Blending in gasoline.
The roadmap, designed to usher in a greener and more sustainable future, outlines a phased rollout plan for achieving 20% Ethanol Blended Gasoline  by April 2023 and ensuring its widespread availability by April 2025. It further emphasizes the introduction of E20 material-compliant and E10 engine-tuned vehicles starting from April 2023, followed by the production of E20-tuned engine vehicles from April 2025.
Dedicated efforts are underway at HPCL state-of-the-art R&D Centre in Devanagunthi, Bengaluru for conducting comprehensive research on biofuels. The center's proficient team is evaluating the effects and performance of different blends of ethanol-gasoline, ranging from 10% to 27%, as well as various blends of ethanol-diesel, on different categories of test vehicles at the Engine Research laboratory.
Preliminary studies conducted on vehicles fueled with E27 have shown remarkable reductions in emissions like CO and THC when compared to traditional gasoline. As part of the pilot launch, HPCL will also be evaluating ethanol-diesel trials on passenger cars, aiming for a targeted mileage accumulation of 20,000 km initially.
The pilot study of E27 fuel will focus on assessing its performance and emissions in engines and vehicles through extended mileage accumulation. Mileage accumulation of up to 10,000 km for two-wheelers and 20,000 km for passenger cars using E27 fuel is planned for this phase. Ethanol trials, in accordance with IS 1460:2017 fuel specifications, will also be conducted in conjunction with biodiesel-diesel.
Looking ahead, India's next milestone in the Ethanol blending program is achieving 27% Ethanol blending beyond E20 fuel. With the success of the ongoing trials and the achievement of E27 fuel, India will proudly stand side by side with Brazil on the global platform in the Ethanol blending program.
HPCL successfully launched E20 fuel on February 6th, 2023, at 23 retail outlets  across the country. The current number of E20 ROs is 350, spread across 21 states in the country. The company has already reduced approximately 3000 MT of greenhouse gas  emissions to date. It is projected that by 2025, the use of E20 fuel will contribute to the reduction of more than 200 lakh MT of GHG emissions.
Ministry of Defence
9th Army to Army Staff Talks  : India Srilanka Army to Army staff talks in Pune
A delegation of 06 Sri Lankan Armed Forces officers was on a three day visit to India as part of Army to Army staff talks from 10 to 12 February 2022. The 9th Army to Army Staff Talks  were organised by Agnibaaz Division under the aegis of Headquarter Southern Command at Pune with an aim to foster better coordination between the two militaries.
Staff conference was led by Major General Anil Kumar Kashid, AVSM, VSM, Additional Director General International Cooperation, head of Indian Army delegation and Major General HP Ranasinghe RWP RSP, head of the Sri Lankan Army delegation. Both countries discussed agenda points focusing on key issues related to training, conduct of bilateral and multilateral exercises, enhancing relations in fields of arts, sports & cultural exchanges. Conference culminated with discussion on progress of already implemented matters and planned intended course of action in the forthcoming years. The talks were testimony of ever increasing bilateral military cooperation and understanding between the two nations.
The visiting delegation visited Military Institute of Technology  and National Defence Academy , Khadakwasla on 11 February 2022. The team interacted with Commandant and faculty on the training methodology and best practices being undertaken at MILIT. The delegation was briefed on armed forces related technological studies being undertaken at MILIT and also interacted with the Sri Lankan Army student officers attending DSTSC course at MILIT.
The visit to National Defence Academy  was aimed towards the enhancing cooperation as part of the ‘Training Exchange Program’ between both countries which has been the strongest and most enduring pillar of India-Sri Lanka bilateral defence cooperation. The delegation members were briefed about the training methodology and associated infrastructure at NDA. Sri Lankan cadets undergoing training at NDA also met the delegation members at the Cadets’ Mess. The delegation called on Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor, AVSM, VM, Commandant, NDA.
The Srilankan delegation also visited College of Military Engineering , Pune where they were exposed to the training infrastructure at CME utilized for imparting training on all relevant engineering aspects for emerging security challenges across the entire spectrum of conflict. A combat engineer demonstration was also organized for the delegation. In addition a cultural tour was also organized for the delegates providing a splendorous insight into India’s rich heritage and culture.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
MSP Operations during Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21
About 30.84 Lakh Paddy Farmers have benefitted from KMS Procurement Operations with MSP value of Rs. 61306.82 Crore.
In the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season  2020-21, Government continues to procure Kharif 2020-21 crops at its MSP from farmers as per its existing MSP Schemes.
Paddy procurement for Kharif 2020-21 is continuing smoothly in the procuring States & UTs of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra with purchase of over 324.71 LMT of paddy up to 02.12.2020 against the last year corresponding purchase of 271.57 LMT showing an increase of 19.56 % over last year. Out of the total purchase of 324.71 LMT, Punjab alone has contributed 202.77 LMT which is 62.44 % of total procurement.
About 30.84 Lac farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing KMS procurement Operations with MSP value of Rs. 61306.82 Crore.
Further, based on the proposal from the States, approval was accorded for procurement of 45.24 LMT of Pulse and Oilseeds of Kharif Marketing Season 2020 for the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh under Price Support Scheme . Further, sanction for procurement of 1.23 LMT of Copra  for the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala was also given. For other States/UTs, approval will also be accorded on receipt of proposals for procurement of Pulses, Oilseeds and Copra under PSS so that procurement of FAQ grade of these crops can be made at notified MSP for the year 2020-21 directly from the registered farmers, if the market rate goes below MSP during the notified harvesting period in the respective States/UTs by the Central Nodal Agencies through State nominated procuring agencies.
Upto 02.12.2020, the Government through its Nodal Agencies has procured 114922.58 MT of Moong, Urad, Groundnut Pods and Soyabean having MSP value of Rs.618.95 Crores benefitting 65907 farmers in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana and Rajasthan.
Similarly, 5089 MT of copra  having MSP value of Rs.52.40 crore has been procured benefitting 3961 farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu upto 02.12.2020 as against the last year corresponding purchase of 293.34 MT of copra. In respect of Copra and Urad, rates are ruling above MSP in most of the major producing States. The respective State/UTs Governments are making necessary arrangements for commencement of procurement from the date as decided by the respective States based on the arrivals in respect of Kharif Pulses and Oilseeds.
Procurement operations of seed cotton  under MSP are going on smoothly in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Karnataka. Till 02.12.2020 a quantity of 3285613 cotton bales valuing Rs.9610.18 Crore has been procured benefitting 652630 farmers.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President calls for timely completion of all sports projects in Andhra Pradesh
The Vice President asks Sports Ministry to involve the private sector in promoting sports activities
The Vice President of India Shri M Venkaiah Naidu today advised the Minister of State  for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Kiren Rijiju to expedite various ongoing sports projects in Andhra Pradesh, including the construction of multipurpose Sports Complex at Mogallapalem village in Nellore district.
At a meeting held at Uparashtapati Bhawan, the Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju briefed the Vice President about the progress of sports project and said that some were being delayed for want of utilization certificates from state sports authorities.
The Vice President advised the Minister and Secretary of the Ministry to keep in touch with Andhra Pradesh Government and monitor progress of projects on urgent basis.
The other projects came up for discussion include Mini Sports Complex at Kommadi near Visakhapatnam, Astro-turf Hockey field at Kakinada, and Multipurpose Indoor Stadium in Vizianagaram District.
During the meeting, the Vice President telephonically spoke to Minister for Tourism, Culture and Youth Advancement of Andhra Pradesh, Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao and enquired about the progress of various sports projects.
The Vice President asked Shri Rejiju to involve the private sector in a big way in promoting sports activities in the country. He wanted various Union Ministries to cooperate with the Sports Ministry and sponsor different sporting events.
Given the importance of sports and fitness in one’s life, Shri Naidu urged all universities and educational institution to accord high priority to sports.
He wanted all stakeholders to provide a massive thrust for the development of games and sports to enable India to achieve greater glory in various sporting events across the globe in the years to come.
The Vice President appreciated the Government for promoting sports by way of the Khelo India initiative and for promoting sporting culture in the country.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Governor, Tamilnadu to Witness Event “Divya Kala Shakti-Witnessing the Abilities in Disabilities” in Chennai Tomorrow
98 Divyangjan from Southern Region to Participate in the Event
The Governor of Tamil Nadu Shri Banwarilal Purohit will witness the first ever regional event Divya Kala Shakti: Witnessing the abilities in disabilities a unique cultural event at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai in the evening of 12th March 2020. He will be accompanied by the Minister of Social Welfare & Nutritious Noon Meal Program, Govt. of Tamil Nadu Dr.V.Saroja and senior officers.
This event is being organized by the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities  , Chennai in collaboration with Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities , Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India. In this event around 1000 invitees including Persons with Disabilities, Parents of Persons with Differently Abled, teachers, care-givers and NGOs, etc are attending .
This event brings together children and youth with Differently Abled from all the five Southern zone Viz. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Lakshadweep and Puducherry. About 98 children and youth with differently abled of various disabilities like Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment, Locomotor Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual disabilities, Multiple Disabilities etc have practiced over a month to display their hidden talents . These artists will perform dance, music, instrumental in classical, folk and modern style. This event also includes for the first time Yoga and Acrobatics. Large number of women participants are taking parts in this event.
This cultural event, Divya kala Shakti, provides a wider and unique platform to showcase the potential of Persons with Differently Abled in the field of performing art, music, dance, acrobatics etc,
M/o Social Justice and Empowerment in this direction has already organized two National events on 18th April and 23rd July 2019 respectively at President's House as well as Parliament Library Building, New Delhi with an objective to spread a wide awareness among all the four pillars of Democracy.
In that event the President of India, the Vice President, the Prime Minister, Speaker of Lok Sabha, all Union Ministers as well as all MPs were present to witness the innate talent in all Divyang children and Youth. The President with his inspirational speech wanted this cultural event to be showcased in every nook and corner of the Country, so with his inspirational words DEPwD is committed to take it to all regions so that it can help changing the mindset of society towards Divyangjan. The DEPwD is committed to work in this direction for such kind of platforms through which Divyang can contribute for the socio-cultural and economic growth of the nation which is the vision of the Department.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
ALL-INDIA CONSUMER PRICE INDEX NUMBERS FOR AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL LABOURERS – MAY, 2022
The All-India Consumer Price Index Number for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers  for the month of May, 2022 increased by 11 points & 12 points to stand at 1119  and 1131  points respectively. The major contribution towards the rise in general index of Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers came from food group to the extent of 7.44 & 7.65 points respectively mainly due to increase in prices of rice, wheat-atta, jowar, bajra, milk, meat-goat, fish fresh/dry, chillies dry, mixed spices, vegetables & fruits, etc.
The rise in index varied from State to State. In case of Agricultural Labourers, it recorded an increase of 2 to 20 points in 20 States. Tamilnadu with 1294 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with 883 points stood at the bottom.
In case of Rural Labourers, it recorded an increase of 1 to 19 points in 20 States. Tamilnadu with 1281 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with 934 points stood at the bottom.
Amongst states, the maximum increase in the Consumer Price Index Numbers for both Agricultural and Rural Labourers was experienced by Kerala  mainly due to rise in the prices of rice, topioca, fish fresh/dry, chillies dry, vegetables & fruits, bus fare, etc.
Point to point rate of inflation based on the CPI-AL and CPI-RL stood at 6.67% & 7.00% in May, 2022 compared to 6.44% & 6.67% respectively in April, 2022 and 2.94% and 3.12% respectively during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, Food inflation stood at 5.44% & 5.51% in May, 2022 compared to 5.29% & 5.35% respectively in April, 2022 and 1.54% & 1.73% respectively during the corresponding month of the previous year.
All-India Consumer Price Index Number :
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Group
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Agricultural Labourers
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Rural Labourers
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|
|
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April, 2022
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|
May, 2022
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April, 2022
|
|
May, 2022
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General Index
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1108
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1119
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1119
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1131
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Food
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1035
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1046
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1043
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1054
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Pan, Supari, etc.
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1917
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1912
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1926
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1922
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Fuel & Light
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1233
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1251
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1226
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1243
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Clothing, Bedding &Footwear
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1162
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1174
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1195
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1209
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Miscellaneous
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1177
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1185
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1181
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|
1189
The CPI – AL and RL for the month of June, 2022 will be released on 20thJuly, 2022.
Special Service and Features
Seizure of 1630grams gold of 24K purity worth Rs.71.62 Lakhs by Chennai Air Customs
Based on intelligence, one male passenger who arrived from Dubai by Emirates Airlines flight EK-542 on 09.10.2022, was intercepted by Chennai Air Customs Officers. On search of his person and baggage, 3 bundles of gold in paste form concealed in his rectum were found and recovered, which resulted in recovery of gold ingot weighing 690 grams valued at~ 30.31 Lakhs.
In another incident, one male passenger who arrived from Abu Dhabi by Etihad Airlines flight EY-268 on 09.10.2022, was intercepted by Chennai Air Customs Officers. On search of his person, 3 bundles of gold in paste form concealed in his rectum were found and recovered, which resulted in recovery of gold ingot weighing 685 grams valued at~ 30.09 Lakhs.
On 07.10.2022, one male passenger who arrived from Kuwait by Indigo Airlines flight 6E-1752, was intercepted by Chennai Air Customs Officers.On search of his person and baggage, 3 Gold kada and 1 Gold Ring were found concealed in his Checked-In baggage, which resulted in recovery of gold weighing 255 grams valued at " 11.20 Lakhs.
Totally, Gold weighing 1630 grams valued at , 71.62 Lakhs was seized from the above mentioned three passengers under the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigation is under progress, according to a press release issued by M.Mathew Jolly, Pr.Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport.
1486 grams Gold worth~ 65.30 Lakhs seized by Chennai Air Customs.
Based on intelligence, Chennai Air Customs officers intercepted one male passenger namely Shri Muhammadu Fasleen Faleel, who arrived from Dubai in Flight No Ek-546 on 09.10.2022, was intercepted by the Custom Officers. On examination, Gold in paste form was found concealed in person was recovered, resulting in recovery of 1486 grams of gold worth
65.30 Lakhs, which was seized under the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigation is under progress.
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